Depression in Children and Adolescents

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: Workers interested in learning more about depression as manifested in children and adolescents

Intended Objectives:

• To present the basic facts of depression and it’s co-morbidity with other disorders
• To explore the phenomenon of depression in infants
• To examine the relationship between infant depression, attachment disorders, an conduct disorders
• To discuss the various symptoms of depression in various age groups
• To identify the options available for treating depression and to delineate the advantages and disadvantages of each
• To present the impact of placement in the child welfare system and its relation to depression
• To present the often “coded” signs of depression and suicidal ideation
  To discuss the challenge of intervening with suicidal depression

Topics Include:

• An overview of the various theories of and contributors to depression
• The symptoms of depression in young people
• An examination of a variety of assessment methods
• A review of the various factors affecting treatment selection
• A discussion of the array of treatment interventions which can be used with depressed children and adolescents.

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.1 Student demonstrates sensitivity to clients’ differences in culture, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

7.2 Student recognizes the potential for violence, suicide, and other potentially harmful behaviors.